Citizenship American | Name Devra Kleiman | |
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Born November 15, 1942
The Bronx ( 1942-11-15 ) Institutions National Zoo; University of Maryland Died April 29, 2010, Washington, D.C., United States Alma mater University of Chicago, University of London Fields Biology, Conservation biology Institution National Zoological Park, University of Maryland, College Park | ||
Devra Gail Kleiman (November 15, 1942 – April 29, 2010) was an American biologist who helped create the field of conservation biology. She is known for her work with Adelmar Coimbra Filho to conserve endangered species, especially the golden lion tamarin of Brazil. Her efforts to use zoos to manage genetics of rare species was "one of the greatest success stories in the history of modern zoos," according to Steven Monfort, director of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. She is also known for her efforts to breed pandas at the National Zoo.
Life and career
Kleiman was born in The Bronx. She earned a bachelor's degree from University of Chicago in 1964. She received a Ph.D. in zoology from University of London in 1969. She joined the staff of the National Zoo in 1972. In 1979, she was named head of the Department of Zoological Research and was appointed to the biology staff at University of Maryland. She was appointed Assistant Director for Research in 1986. Her publications include Wild Mammals in Captivity and Lion Tamarins: Biology and Conservation. Her research was often done with videotape in addition to pen and paper to record her observations. Based on her observations, she questioned if, in zoos, pandas need to be kept separate except to mate.
She died of cancer at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D. C.